Cranford Library Readers' Forum to discuss 'The Art of Racing in the Rain'

The Readers’ Forum, the lively, long running book discussion group of the Cranford Public Library, will meet next in the library on Monday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. The library is located at 224 Walnut Ave. The group will discuss “The Art of Racing in the Rain” (2008), a novel by Garth Stein.

The novel is narrated by a dog named Enzo. Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. A review of the novel in Booklist noted that readers would “delight in Enzo’s wild, original voice; his aching insights into the limitations and joys of the canine and human worlds; and his infinite capacity for love,” while Kirkus Reviews found the novel “pointedly inspirational.” The Readers’ Forum welcomes new members at any time.